24th Annual Hat Contest

Every year, the Sunday after Opening Day in Saratoga brings a tradition like no other: the Saratoga Hat Contest!

One of the highlights of opening weekend and tying in with the annual Hats Off to Saratoga Festival, this popular contest invites track goers to compete for prizes in specific categories with the most creative, shocking, over-the-top hats you have ever seen! The event fittingly coincides with the Saratoga hat giveaway day, which is the first giveaway of the season.

Don't miss the 2015 Hat Contest at Saratoga Race Course,presented by Hat Sational by DEI. Registration is at noon under the Grandstand. Don your favorite hat and come to watch, or create your own impressive piece of headwear and aim for the "crowning" achievement of opening weekend!

The competition takes place in three rounds after the second, third and fourth races on the track apron when participants showcase their creations in front of the judges for the chance to win prizes.

Prizes are awarded to the top three contestants in each category:

Kreative Kids (18 and under)

Judged after the 2nd race

1st place prize: $75 gift certificate to Hat Sational by DEI

2nd and 3rd place: winners will receive various gift certificates

Fashionably Saratoga

Judged after the 3rd race

1st place prize: $100 gift certificate to Hat Sational by DEI

2nd and 3rd place prizes: fascinators from Hat Sational by DEI

Uniquely Saratoga

Judged after the 4th race

1st place prize: $100 gift certificate to Hat Sational by DEI

2nd and 3rd place prizes: fascinators from Hat Sational by DEI

Saratoga is all about HATS, especially at the race track! The fancy hat tradition dates back to the Victorian era and, in Saratoga, Hats Off Weekend signals the start of the summer meet.